The Falkland Islands Government has signed a Letter of Intent with Britten-Norman to acquire four BN2B-26 Islander aircraft for US$9.75 million. This order is part of a wider effort to modernise the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service (FIGAS) fleet as it celebrates 75 years of service. The new planes will complement the existing order for two additional Islanders, the first of which is already in operation. All six aircraft are being produced at Britten-Norman’s re-shored UK facility on the Isle of Wight, established in late 2023.
FIGAS has been central to Falkland life since its founding in 1948, connecting communities across the islands, including the more remote settlements. Currently operating a fleet of five Islanders, FIGAS provides essential services such as passenger transport, air ambulance operations, postal and freight delivery, and even veterinary support. Scenic flights, which have become increasingly popular, add to the organisation’s portfolio, helping boost tourism in the Falklands.
The BN2B-26 Islander has earned a reputation as a reliable, rugged aircraft with an impressive short take-off and landing (STOL) capability, making it ideally suited to the Falkland Islands’ varied terrain and unpredictable weather. This model has proven its durability over six decades in FIGAS’s service, making it a practical choice for the fleet renewal. Recent updates to the aircraft’s design and performance further contributed to the decision to expand the fleet with newer Islanders, ensuring it meets the tough operating demands of the region.
The contract is an important step as the Britten-Norman scales up production at its UK base, where it aims to quadruple output over the next two-to-three years. This expansion aligns with Britten-Norman’s ambitious growth plans in response to rising demand in the regional aircraft sector. The company intends to reinvest profits from early sales to further enhance its product development and advance its ‘Green Futures Initiative,’ a programme focused on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the environmental footprint of its aircraft.
The new FIGAS aircraft not only support the modernisation of essential services in the Falklands but also reflect Britten-Norman’s commitment to sustainable development, marking a significant milestone for both the Falklands and the UK-based manufacturer.
